In recent years, working from home has become increasingly common. Social media is full of beautiful photos: laptops on the sofa, a cup of coffee in hand, and sunsets in the background. Freelancing looks like a dream: freedom, flexible hours, no office chaos. But behind this “romantic filter” lies a harsh reality. Here are nine reasons why working from home seems easy — and why in practice, it’s quite different.
You think you’ll have plenty of free time
Expectation: mornings without traffic, a relaxed coffee, working whenever you want — pure freedom.
Reality: the boundaries between work and personal life blur. You get distracted by household chores, take a half-hour break… and end up working evenings or weekends to meet deadlines.
You expect comfortable conditions
Expectation: a cozy spot at home, your favorite chair, a beautiful view from the window.
Reality: back pain, cluttered desk, household distractions don’t disappear. And if you live with someone, interruptions happen regularly. Comfort is not guaranteed — it’s a constant battle with your environment.
You’re confident you’ll be your own boss
Expectation: nobody supervises you, you work at your own pace.
Reality: without external pressure, procrastination comes easily. You need to develop self-discipline and learn to structure your day independently, or autonomy will turn into chaos.
You dream of higher productivity
Expectation: no one disturbs you, tasks get done faster.
Reality: productivity doesn’t only depend on the absence of colleagues. Social media, TV shows, and household tasks are constant distractions. Creating a productive work environment is a real challenge.
You hope for a flexible schedule
Expectation: work when you want, take breaks as you feel like it.
Reality: a chaotic day can lead to missed deadlines and forgotten tasks. Without a routine and time management, efficiency drops.
You think you’ll save money
Expectation: fewer expenses on lunches and commuting, everything close at hand.
Reality: the temptation to order food grows, and setting up a comfortable workspace can also be costly. Savings can quickly become an illusion.
You expect no office politics
Expectation: no competition, gossip, or struggle for the boss’s attention.
Reality: communication moves online. Misunderstandings, conflicts, and misinterpretations don’t disappear — they just happen through messages.
You’re confident you’ll spend more time with family
Expectation: shared meals, help around the house, more quality time.
Reality: constant presence at home can irritate loved ones. Blurred boundaries between work and personal life lead to fatigue and frustration. Without clear rules, working from home is tough.
You believe working from home is a trend
Expectation: freelancing is modern, progressive, everyone’s doing it.
Reality: this setup isn’t for everyone. Some need colleagues, corporate culture, a set schedule, and team support. Before swapping the office for a home workspace, evaluate your strengths and weaknesses honestly.
